Wednesday, August 12, 2015
7:30:20 PM EDT

Spicy Returns

by
James Brown

Stop Loss: 82.45
Target(s): To Be Determined
Current Option Gain/Loss: Unopened
Average Daily Volume = 608 thousand
Entry on August -- at $---.--
Listed on August 12, 2015
Time Frame: Exit PRIOR to September earnings expiration
New Positions: Yes, see below

Trade Description:
MKC sales its products around the world. Currency headwinds have been a major issue this year. Yet investors seem to be looking past the currency issue and have driven MKC to a +13.9% rally in 2015, outperforming all the major U.S. indices.

MKC is in the consumer goods sector. According to the company, "McCormick & Company, Incorporated is a global leader in flavor. With $4.2 billion in annual sales, the company manufactures, markets and distributes spices, seasoning mixes, condiments and other flavorful products to the entire food industry â€“ retail outlets, food manufacturers and foodservice businesses. Every day, no matter where or what you eat, you can enjoy food flavored by McCormick."

Looking at their last three earnings reports MKC has managed to beat Wall Street's estimates on the bottom line three quarters in a row. Yet revenue growth has taken a hit due to currency headwinds. Management offered soft guidance in January when they reported their Q4 results. They lowered guidance in March when MKC reported its Q1 results. Yet after their most recent report MKC raised their full year 2015 earnings guidance, which might suggest the slowdown has passed.

Looking at their Q2 report in more detail (announced on July 1st) the company delivered earnings of $0.75 per share. That's a +17% rise from a year ago and seven cents better than expected. Revenues were down -0.9% to $1.02 billion, which missed expectations. When you back our currency headwinds their revenues were up +5%.

Investors have been buying the dips in MKC for months. The rally accelerated in the last couple of weeks with MKC surging to new all-time highs. Traders were quick to buy the dip today at short-term technical support on the 10-dma. We suspect MKC's relative strength will continue. The point & figure chart is forecasting at $95.00 target.

Tonight we are listing a trigger to buy calls at $85.05.

Trigger @ $85.05

- Suggested Positions -

Buy the SEP $85 CALL (MKC150918C85) current ask $1.45
option price is a current quote and not a suggested entry price.

Entry disclaimer: To avoid an unfavorable entry point, we will not launch a new play if the stock gaps open more than $1.00 past our suggested entry point.